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GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - A bright and colourful Dream Room was officially opened at George Regional Hospital on Thursday 7 September, to provide a safe space where the sick children of the paediatric unit can let their imagination roam and play to their heart's content, making their time of sickness a little easier.
There are toys, games and books as well as a TV and ps4 set to keep the children busy.
The Dream Room, situated at the paediatric outpatients unit, was sponsored by the Reach for a Dream Foundation and the Federate Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM).
Michelle van Huyssteen of Reach for a Dream, whose work it is to make sick children's dreams come true, said it is the 41st Dream Room in South Africa that the foundation has opened.
"From January we hope to have an intern permanently placed at the hospital who will engage with the children through recreational and educational activities. A hospital entertainer will also be coming once a week to entertain them."
The Dream Room has a cosy reading nook leading out onto a balcony with space where parents can sit and watch their children play. A semi-covered play court is equipped with toys and there is even a mini soccer field.
The mini soccer field was an immediate hit.
Murals done by local artist Anthony Noble create a dreamy background. Willem Blaauw of Tummah Construction is the contractor who transformed the area from its former dreary state.
Dr Johan la Grange, paediatrician at George Hospital, said that in a sad time in a sick child’s life, the Dream Room will make them feel the exact opposite. "It is full of life and hope and is a safe haven where they can create happy memories, play and dream."
On an average day, the paediatric outpatients clinic at George Hospital treats and cares for 20 to 40 little patients. "This does not account for the number of children in our ward, ICU, Neonatal Unit and Emergency Centre where numbers go up to 50 or more children per day," said La Grange.
He said in his 12 years at George Hospital as a paediatrician, there have been many instances where children lost their lives due to an incurable or chronic disease. "Many of these children had dreams and the Reach for a Dream Foundation made these dreams possible.”
La Grange emphasised how most of the sick children have simple wishes, such as having lamb chops or a Spiderman party. "It speaks to you as an adult to see how simple their wishes are and what makes them happy in the setting of being really sick to an extent where you have a really shortened life."
UK fellow Dr Tina Grant, who is working at George Hospital temporarily, interacts with little Elnishia Webster (3).
The paediatric unit operational manager, Sister Cynthia Kortom, said the Dream Room will be creating a lot of happy moments during children's hospital stay.
"We have seen today that it enables them to forget for a while their diagnosis and treatment plans and their illness. It is a huge privilege for the children and staff to be part of this project of Reach for a Dream. We are truly grateful to Michelle for making this dream a reality."
Michael Vonk, the hospital CEO, said he was blown away by what Reach for a Dream and the other role players have achieved. "It was above my expectations and a huge transformation of this space."
VIDEO - Michelle van Huyssteen of Reach for a Dream and Sister Cynthia Kortom speak to George Herald about the dream-come-true with the new Dream Room:
Video: Alida de Beer
Willem Blaauw (left) of Tummah Construction and artist Anthony Noble with Reach for a Dream “star trophies” they received as a token of appreciation for their contribution.
Michelle van Huyssteen of Reach for a Dream with one of the children who was keen to play on the stoep.
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